Unleash the power of music theory with Andrew, an inspiring teacher who makes music theory learning come alive.

• Music Theory 
• ABRSM Music Theory Test Preparation All Levels
• RCM Music Theory Test Preparation All Levels

Andrew has dedicated the past 15 years of his life to being a full-time freelance musician. Throughout the majority of his career, he has served as a talented sideman, showcasing his mastery of the upright and electric bass in a diverse range of musical genres including Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock, and Folk. His incredible journey has taken him across four continents, gracing stages with his captivating performances and contributing his unique style to over 150 recordings. Notably, his exceptional bass playing has earned him a place on numerous Top 40 lists in Pop, Country, and Americana music, as well as securing a Billboard #1 spot for "The Hamilton Mixtape."

Andrew's passion for teaching bass, guitar, music theory, and improvisation stems from his firm belief that music is a universal language, a realm where every question has multiple answers, and a powerful force that unites humanity. He takes great pleasure in exploring with his students how various aspects of musical education, whether it be classical theory, sight-reading, or jazz improvisation, can be applied to help them become the musicians they aspire to be. His ultimate goal is to help his students foster a personal connection with music that is meaningful and relevant to their individual journeys.

Over the years, Andrew has garnered extensive experience teaching both privately and in group and classroom settings. He has also demonstrated his ability to design and execute music camps catered to teenage students, providing them with valuable musical guidance. In addition, he has had the privilege of serving as an artist in residence for Jazz bands at high schools, further showcasing his commitment to nurturing young talent.

Andrew finds it amusing that music theory is sometimes perceived as the cold, sterile "eat your vegetables" part of music, as he personally sees it as the complete opposite. Understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to theory, he emphasizes that theory should come after the practice, not before. By approaching music theory through a lens that resonates with each student's inspirations, he effectively demonstrates how these concepts can enhance their musical journey. He delights in simplifying complex musical elements by relating them to familiar experiences, such as explaining that the classical term for a certain captivating musical element is an "appoggiatura" or revealing the distinct approaches country and jazz players take when faced with a particular chord. Andrew strongly believes that every musical approach holds its own valid place, and he remains an ardent fan and perpetual student of various genres, ranging from classical to jazz, rock, folk, and pop.

Education

• Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN; B.A. Cum Laude, Music, Hispanic Studies, 2009.
• Berklee College's Institute for Modern Music, Barcelona Spain; Jazz, Modern Harmony, electronic music production, 2007.
• Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Institute, Portland, OR; Jazz harmony, theory, ensemble playing
• Private Study, Minneapolis, MN; tutelage with Brian Roessler, Joan Griffith, Chris Bates, Francois Rabbath’s New Method for the Contrabass

Teaching Experience

• Artist In Residence, Williston High, St. Mary High, ND, 2014, 2015
• Music Director, Ensemble Educator, Discovery School of Music, Orono, MN, 2010-12
• Bass/Jazz Theory Instructor, 2010 - Current. Maintaining a student base for students of all ages, instructing from levels beginning to advanced. Lessons
• Electronic Music Lab Instructor, Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN, 2007-2011  

Awards/Accolades

• Performed on Billboard #1 record The Hamilton Mixtape, 2016
• Recipient of MRAC/Jerome Foundation's 2014 Next Step Grant; proposal featured as example application
• Participant/grantee in Northern Spark Festival, Minneapolis, MN, 2014
• Finalist for MRAC/Jerome Foundation's 2013 Next Step Grant
• Presenter at the Midwest Society for Ethnomusicology Conference, May 2009

Risk-Free Satisfaction Guarantee

If the trial lesson doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll gladly help you connect with another top-rated, highly qualified tutor—or issue a FULL refund.

Refund for Lesson Packages

You may cancel a lesson package with at least 24 hours' written notice before the next lesson. Completed lessons will be billed at the standard hourly rate, and the remaining balance will be refunded minus a 5% processing fee. The fee is waived if you keep the balance as credit on your TimeAfterSchool account for other lessons.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

• Standard Policy: Provide at least 24 hours' notice before the scheduled start time to cancel or reschedule a lesson free of charge. Cancellations or reschedules with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur the full lesson fee.
• Grace Period for Packages: For each packages of 10 or more lessons, you are allowed one late cancellation or rescheduling (with less than 24 hours' notice) without penalty to accommodate unexpected situations. Any additional late cancellations or changes beyond this one-time exception will be charged in full.

Adult Supervision

All tutoring sessions for students under 18 years old must be supervised by a responsible adult.